Briefs for April 17, 2013: Reading programs available at library

■ Moffat County Libraries recently launched 1,000 Books before Kindergarten, a program intended to prepare children to learn to read upon entering school, according to a news release. Families are asked to sign up before their child enters kindergarten, and the library will provide reading logs to track reading. Children will receive a free book when the family reaches certain reading milestones. Families who read 1,000 books to their child before he or she reaches kindergarten have completed the program successfully.

■ A similar program, Ready-Set-Read, is designed to encourage and track reading for elementary school children. Reading logs were sent home through the schools during the first week in March. Children have until May 31 to bring in the completed log to receive a free book. Children who did not receive reading logs can pick one up at the library.

Seedling trees and shrubs are available

The Colorado First Conservation District is accepting orders for trees and shrubs. The average cost of each tree is less than $1, with a wide variety of species available to plant this spring. The trees will arrive the last week of April. Residents must own an acre or more of land to participate. Order forms are available at the Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado State University Extension Office and the Colorado First Conservation District office at 145 Commerce St. For more information, call 970-824-3476, ext. 101.

Grand Futures collects data from parents

Grand Futures Prevention Coalition is collecting data on parents' beliefs and perceptions about the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by their children. The survey results will help to inform youth substance use prevention efforts in Northwest Colorado. Parents who have a child in middle school or high school are eligible to take the survey. Your two cents matters, and your feedback is greatly appreciated. To take the Moffat County survey, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/parentsurveymoffat.